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Two new isoindolin-1-ones (1 and 2), were isolated from the stems of Nicotiana tabacum (a cultivar of sun-cured tobacco with high resistance to black shank diseases, which originated from Huize local sun-cured tobacco by ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis). Their structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Interestingly, both compounds showed high antibacterial activity with bacteriostatic diameter within the range 18.2 ± 1.4–25.8 ± 2.2 mm against five pathogenic strains, and they have the potential values for use as an antiseptic agent for Heat Not Burning cigarette-tipping paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we show for the first time that lignin-derived phenols can act as laccase mediators for the removal of lipophilic compounds from paper pulp. These natural mediators represent an alternative to synthetic mediators, such as 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT), that cause some economic and environmental concerns. Unbleached kraft pulp from eucalypt wood, which contained free and conjugated sterols responsible for pitch deposition in the manufacture of totally chlorine free paper, was treated with a fungal laccase in the presence of syringaldehyde, acetosyringone, and p-coumaric acid as mediators. The composition of lipophilic extractives in the pulps afterthe enzymatic treatment followed by a hydrogen peroxide stage was analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The enzymatic treatment using syringaldehyde as laccase mediator caused the highest removal (over 90%) of free and conjugated sitosterol, similar to that attained with HBT, followed by acetosyringone (over 60% removal), whereas p-coumaric acid was barely effective. Moreover, recalcitrant oxidized steroids surviving laccase-HBT treatment could be removed when using these natural mediators. Pulp brightness was also improved (from 57% to 66% ISO brightness) by the laccase treatment in the presence of the above phenols followed by the peroxide stage due to the simultaneous removal of lignin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emollients are topical agents with moisturizing, lubricating and smoothing properties. The most important action of emollients is restoring the disturbed epidermal barrier. This effect is achieved by various mechanisms: occlusive properties, attraction and keeping the water within the stratum corneum and supplying the physiological lipids and peptides, that lack in the disturbed epidermis. The final effects of emollients are reduction of inflammation, decrease of pruritus and better appearance of the skin. Emollients are the essential part of the therapy of many inflammatory skin diseases with disturbed epidermal barrier. They are used in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, keratinization disorders, chronic eczema, pruritic diseases and many other dermatoses. Emollients are often the adjuvant therapy, which is used together with topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors. There are several possible types of therapy: continuous, intermittent or proactive. This paper summarizes the knowledge about emollients, their mechanisms of action, the indications and proper way of application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reviews of various articles are presented including "Hand antisepsis in equine surgery" by Nora Biermann, "Salivary alpha-amylase in abdominal disease" by Marıa Dolores Contreras-Aguilar, and "Diet and exercise for obese equids" by Nicholas Bamford.

Purpose: Povidone-iodine (PVI), also known as Betadine, is a widely used antiseptic agent used in several fields of medicine. In ophthalmology, it is applied as a preoperative antiseptic to prevent infectious complications that can result from surgical procedures. PVI's safety and efficacy have been extensively studied and represented in the literature; however, the incidence of adverse effects has been reported in conjunction. The aim of this paper is to compile information regarding PVIs use, safety profile, adverse effects, and possible alternatives through a review of the existing literature. Methods: Literature was compiled utilizing the database PubMed and Google Scholar using specified keywords with a total of 86 reviewed articles, after excluding search results that did not meet the inclusion criteria. Results: While the allergic potential to PVI is a highly contested topic, there are several nonallergic adverse effects of PVI that should not be overlooked. These effects include chemical burn, cytotoxic effects, and general patient discomfort. In light of these adverse effects, alternatives to PVI may be considered. However, there has been little research identifying feasible alternatives in preoperative intraocular procedures. Alternatives including chlorhexidine, polyhexamethylene biguanide (polyhexanide), and octenidine were identified as potential substitutes for PVI. Conclusions: Further study is needed to provide robust evidence regarding the efficacy profiles of these alternatives in comparison with PVI and to demonstrate comparable tolerance to PVI in intraocular procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientists and specialists of food processing industry are increasingly focused on the technology of storage of raw materials of animal origin in antiseptic ice. The paper presents the peculiar features of plasma-chemical activation of solutions to produce antiseptic ice and their further use in the storage of meat and fish. The process of treatment leads to formation of micro-particles of hydrogen peroxide, which in contact with the raw materials are capable of generating active oxygen, allowing to disinfect the raw material surface. Concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the solutions further used to produce antiseptic ice has been determined. Study of the features of use of antiseptic ice made of plasma-chemically activated aqueous solutions showed unchanged organoleptic properties of raw materials after using the presented antiseptic agent. Suppression of viable microflora owing to antimicrobial action of plasma-chemically activated aqueous solutions was recorded. Antiseptic ice contributes to long-term disinfection of raw materials. For example, the samples show absence of microflora of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms and bacteria of the Escherichia coli group, which allows improving the quality of stored food raw materials. At the concentration of peroxides at the level of 600–700 mg/l, pathogenic microflora in meat and fish samples is not present at all. When meat and fish raw materials are stored in ice for 30 days, pathogenic microflora does not appear, and it confirms the long-term disinfecting action of antiseptic ice. Slower accumulation of amino-ammonia nitrogen is observed during long-term storage of meat and fish raw materials. The use of plasma-chemically activated aqueous solutions for the production of antiseptic ice and storage of meat and fish raw materials in it can partially prevent the processes of protein breakdown and, accordingly, increase the product shelf life. The paper describes technological parameters of the process of storage of meat and fish in antiseptic ice, which can be used in the industrial storage of raw materials, and provides the guidance for use of ice of plasma-chemically activated aqueous solutions in the process of storage of raw materials of animal origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although brushless direct current motor (BLDCM) drives are becoming more popular in industrial and commercial applications, there are still significant difficulties and unresolved research issues that must be addressed. In BLDCM drives, commutation current ripple (CCR) and diode freewheeling during non-commutation zone (NCZ) are the major challenges. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes a novel PWM-Model Antiseptic Control (PWM-MAC) technique to alleviate the freewheeling of the diode. The proposed PWM technique is used to alleviate the diode freewheeling in the NCZ, whereas the DCLV circuit is utilized to obtain variable DC-link voltage to address the CCR in the CZ. The MATLAB/Simulink results are included along with experimental results obtained from a laboratory prototype of 325 W. The proposed module reduces the current ripple by 31.7% and corresponding torque ripples are suppressed by approximately 32.5%. This evidences the performance of the proposed control technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozonated oil has shown antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties that make it useful in the prevention of infectious diseases and also as an adjuvant in wound-healing management. This review brings together most aspects of the use of liposomal ozonated oil for ocular infections and regeneration of the ocular surface. A search was performed in PubMed, Medline, Web of Science and Cochrane Library for studies published by June 2021. Search terms were combined to sort out papers on the properties and use of ozonated oil in ocular infections. A total of 25 publications were selected for this review on the composition, mechanism of action, restorative action, and preclinical and clinical studies of liposomal ozonated oil focused on ocular infections. In patients with complicated corneal pathology, liposomal ozonated oil has been found to restore corneal ulcers and improve keratitis. In patients with ocular pathologies involving inflammation and infections, liposomal ozonated oil has been found to improve and almost completely restore the signs of vernal, granulomatous and even adenoviral conjunctivitis. Liposomal ozonated oil has also been found to be effective in reducing ocular microbial flora. In conclusion, liposomal ozonated oil has an antiseptic and regenerative effect on corneoconjunctival tissues. It has demonstrated efficacy and safety profile for its use in ocular infections and can be considered as a suitable supportive strategy both alone and combined with other antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper protection of vascular access after haemodialysis is one of the key measures for the prevention of catheter-related infections. Various substances with bactericidal and anticoagulant properties are used to fill catheters, but due to the unsatisfactory clinical effects and occurrence of adverse reactions, the search for new substances is still ongoing. In the present paper, we compared the in vitro antimicrobial activity of solutions used for tunnelled catheter locking (taurolidine, trisodium citrate) and solutions of substances that could potentially be used for this purpose (sodium bicarbonate, polyhexanide-betaine). The studies have been conducted on bacteria that most commonly cause catheter-related infections. The values of both minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum biofilm eradication concentration of the substances were determined. The ability of the tested substances to eradicate biofilm from the dialysis catheter surface was also evaluated. The results showed that polyhexanide-betaine inhibited the growth of all microbes comparably to taurolidine, even after ≥ 32-fold dilution. The activity of trisodium citrate and sodium bicarbonate was significantly lower. Polyhexanide exhibited the highest activity in the eradication of bacterial biofilm on polystyrene plates. The biofilm formed on a polyurethane dialysis catheter was resistant to complete eradication by the test substances. Polyhexanide-betaine and taurolidine showed the highest activity. Inhibition of bacterial growth regardless of species was observed not only at the highest concentration of these compounds but also after dilution 32–128x (taurolidine) and 32–1024x (polyhexanide-betaine). Therefore, it can be assumed that taurolidine application as a locking solution prevents catheter colonization and systemic infection development. Taurolidine displays high antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-positive cocci as well as Gram-negative bacilli. On the contrary, the lowest antibacterial effect displayed product contained sodium bicarbonate. The inhibitions of bacterial growth were not satisfactory to consider it as a substance for colonization prevention. Polyhexanidine-betaine possessed potent inhibitory and biofilm eradication properties comparing to all tested products. PHMB is applied as a wound irrigation solution worldwide. However, based on our results, we assume that the PHMB is a promising substance for catheter locking solutions thanks to its safety and high antimicrobial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential health protocol for living in the COVID-19 era requires antiseptic and disinfecting agents, as well as clean water for personal washing and objects related to the conditions of human activity. The results of personal hygiene measures and the cleanliness of objects are additional wastewater discharges, and increased peak discharges of wastewater, compared to conditions without the protocol. In addition, the quality of wastewater is compounded by enrichment of toxic substances for microbes. As a consequence, the wastewater needs to be treated from the source to the disposal to the environment. Various studies that have been carried out previously indicate the potential of plants in eliminating antiseptic and disinfectant substances contained in wastewater. Therefore, this paper discusses specifically the contribution of greening the environment in treating wastewater rich in these toxic substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric hand dryers, particularly jet-air dryers, are a relatively new method of drying hands and claim to be a more efficient and sterile method than using paper towels. Our purpose for performing this research was to determine whether electric hand dryers in public restrooms are antiseptic, or if they could be a source of bacterial contamination to your hands during drying. Initially, restrooms at Weber State University were selected that had a high frequency of foot traffic, making them good sampling locations. Testing was done in men's and women's restrooms in three buildings on campus, testing four bathrooms for each group in each building. Samples were collected by swabbing a 25-cm² area of the top, middle, and bottom of the hand dryer chamber using a 3M Quickswab. Pour plates using TSA were used to enumerate samples. Plate counts were determined at 48 hours after incubation at 37°C. Results showed the bottom of the dryer chamber in both the men's and women's restrooms had the most bacterial contamination, with an average of 311 CFU/25 cm² in the men's rooms and an average of 299 CFU/25 cm² in the women's. The middle section was the second most contaminated averaging 144 CFU/25 cm² for men and 145 CFU/25 cm² for women, while the top section was the least contaminated, averaging 107 CFU/25 cm² for men and 51 CFU/25 cm² for women. Results showed that electric hand dryers can serve as a source of bacterial contamination after hand washing. The overall level of bacterial contamination was higher in hand dryers in men's restrooms. As a preventative measure, the inside of these dryers should be cleaned on a daily basis to prevent people from contaminating their hands immediately after washing them, thus reducing the spread of bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A burn wound infection is a leading cause of death among burn patients. The microbiological environment of burn wound changes dynamically whereby the etiological factors are diversified. Antibiotic efficiency in regard of pathogens decreases dramatically. Nowadays, there is an ongoing research for new approaches of bacterial prevention and eradication. One of the solution of aforementioned issue is application of locally administered antiseptics -- antimicrobial agents used to surgical site disinfection. In the paper advantages and disadvantages of antiseptics, commonly used to prevent and treat burn wound infection, were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Fluorescent sensing of 2,4,6-trinitrophenol by controlling energy transfer between rare earth ions. • Bio-MOF-1 was doped with RE ions to realize ratiometric fluorescent sensing. • Good selectivity, low LOD and linear response were discussed. Abstract 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (PA) is a well-known aromatic compound, due to their higher explosive energy than TNT and their wide utilization when producing organic dyes, medicines and antiseptics. The following paper constructed a composite optical sensing system (denoted as Tb:Eu@MOF) for PA detection using [Zn 8 (ad) 4 (BPDC) 6 O·2 Me 2 NH 2 ]·G, ad = adenine, BPDC = 4,4′-biphenyl dicarboxylic acid, G = DMF and water, as supporting matrix and two rare earth ions, Tb(III) and Eu(III), as dopant. Tb:Eu@MOF was carefully characterized by means of micromorphology, XRD, N 2 adsorption and desorption. Detailed analysis on its photophysical performance indicated weak Tb emission and strong Eu emission, owing to the energy competing between two kinds of rare earth ions in Tb:Eu@MOF. After meeting PA, such energy competing was blocked, leading to enhanced Tb emission and decreased Eu emission. Ratiometric fluorescent sensing for PA detection was thus constructed with good selectivity and low LOD (limit of detection) of 0.87 μM. Linear sensing response was achieved. Its practical sensing application and naked eye detection for PA were tentatively discussed as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Size controllable silver nanoparticles were synthesized using HSE as a reductant. • The silver nanoparticles prepared using HSE have an average diameter of 15 nm. • Polyphenol compounds in HSE acts not only as reductant but also as dispersant. • Silver nanoparticles have no cytotoxicity and excellent antimicrobial activities. Abstract Silver nanoparticles have attracted much attention in the medical field in recent years due to their excellent antibacterial properties. In this paper, size controllable silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Hibiscus sabdariffa extract (HSE) as a reductant in 10 min. The silver nanoparticles prepared using HSE as reductant have an average diameter of 15 nm, which is smaller than that of using citric acid as a reductant. Characterization results show that polyphenol compounds in HSE acts not only as reductant but also as dispersant and stabilizer. Moreover, the size of silver nanoparticles is mainly affected by pH value, reaction temperature, and kind of pH regulators. Finally, the silver nanoparticles as antibacterial component was added into cataplasm. The results showed that they have almost no cytotoxicity on 3T3 cells and excellent antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterium. The above research opens a feasible way for the application of silver nanoparticles in the biomedical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of anti-plaque chemical formulations for managing gingivitis, in 6-month, home-use, randomised clinical trials ( RCTs). Material and Methods A protocol was designed, including inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify RCTs assessing gingival and/or bleeding indices. Electronic and hand-searches identified relevant papers, which were screened and evaluated for inclusion. Full-papers were retrieved and relevant information was extracted (also plaque indices), including quality and risk of bias. Mean treatment effects were calculated to obtain weighted mean differences ( WMD) and 95% confidence intervals. Results After the process of screening and selection, 87 articles with 133 comparisons, were included in the review. The additional effects of the tested products were statistically significant in terms of Löe & Silness gingival index (46 comparisons, WMD −0.217), modified gingival index ( n = 23, −0.415), gingivitis severity index ( n = 26, −14.939%) or bleeding index ( n = 23, −7.626%), with significant heterogeneity. For plaque, additional effects were found for Turesky (66 studies, WMD −0.475), Silness & Löe ( n = 26, −0.109), and plaque severity ( n = 12, −23.4%) indices, with significant heterogeneity. Conclusion Within the limitations of the present study, formulations with specific agents for chemical plaque control provide statistically significant improvements in terms of gingival, bleeding and plaque indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their antioxidant properties, biophenolic compounds from vegetables and derived products are very demanded by the consumers. The olive fruit pulp is rich in these compounds, and, in this paper, the influence of irrigation on the levels of these compounds has been investigated. Methanolic extracts from olive paste samples submitted to different irrigation treatments were analyzed by front-face fluorescence. Excitation-emission matrices, recorded as a set of emission spectra in the range 290–450 nm, and in the excitation range of 240–290 nm, were analyzed by means of Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC). The loadings and scores corresponding to three components were obtained. In the same samples, polyphenols were also analyzed by chromatography. High correlations were found between the first component PARAFAC scores and epicatechin (R = 0.856) and catechin plus epicatechin concentrations (R = 0.873), second component scores and oleuropein (R = 0.892, only when epicatechin concentration is lower than 0.55 mg/L) and the third component scores and vanillic acid concentrations (R = 0.877). The representation of the two first PARAFAC component scores allowed discriminate between the different irrigation treatments. Polyphenol concentrations obtained by both methods were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Duncańs multiple test. The obtained results showed significant differences between the irrigation treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most common complications after surgical procedures are surgical site infections (SSI). The paper presents an overview of the current WHO guidelines on procedures for the prevention of such infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Аbstract This paper describes Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) studies, molecular docking and in vitro antibacterial activity of several potent imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) against S. aureus ATCC 25923 and its clinical isolate. Small set of 131 ILs was collected from the literature and uploaded in the OCHEM database. QSAR methodologies used Associative Neural Networks and Random Forests (WEKA-RF) methods. The predictive ability of the models was tested through cross-validation, giving cross-validated coefficients q 2  = 0.82–0.87 for regression models and overall prediction accuracies of 80–82.1% for classification models. The proposed QSAR models are freely available online on OCHEM server at https://ochem.eu/article/107364 and can be used for estimation of antibacterial activity of new imidazolium-based ILs. A series of synthesized 1,3-dialkylimidazolium ILs with predicted activity were evaluated in vitro . The high activity of 7 ILs against S. aureus strain and its clinical isolate was measured and thereafter analyzed by the molecular docking to prokaryotic homologue of a eukaryotic tubulin FtsZ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, poly(azure A) (PAA) films were electrosynthetized in the presence of different doping anions on disposable screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs). The anions used included inorganic monoatomic (chloride and fluoride), inorganic polyatomic (nitrate and sulfate) and organic polyatomic (dodecyl sulfate, DS) species. The coated electrodes thus obtained were characterized by electrochemical techniques and SEM. They showed improved electrocatalytic activities towards hydrogen peroxide oxidation compared to that of a bare SPCE. In particular, the insertion of DS anions inside PAA films provided a special sensitivity to the electrocatalysis of H2O2, which endowed these electrodes with promising analytical features for H2O2 quantification. We obtained a wide linear response for H2O2 within a range of 5 μM to 3 mM and a limit of detection of 1.43 ± 0.10 μM (signal-to-noise ratio of 3). Furthermore, sensitivity was 72.4 ± 0.49 nA·μM-1·cm-2 at a relatively low electrocatalytic oxidation overpotential of 0.5 V vs. Ag. The applicability of this boosted system was tested by the analysis of H2O2 in commercial samples of a hair lightener and an antiseptic and was corroborated by spectrophotometric methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide (ZnO), as a material with attractive properties, has attracted great interest worldwide, particularly owing to the implementation of the synthesis of nano-sized particles. High luminescent efficiency, a wide band gap (3.36 eV), and a large exciton binding energy (60 meV) has triggered intense research on the production of nanoparticles using different synthesis methods and on their future applications. ZnO nanomaterials can be used in industry as nano-optical and nano-electrical devices, in food packaging and in medicine as antimicrobial and antitumor agents. The increasing focus on nano zinc oxide resulted in the invention and development of methods of nanoparticles synthesis. Recently, various approaches including physical, chemical and biological (“ green chemistry ”) have been used to prepare ZnO nanocomposites with different morphologies. The obtained nanoparticles can be characterized with a broad range of analytical methods including dynamic light scattering (DLS), electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), UV–VIS spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) or inductively coupled plasma with mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). With these it is possible to obtain information concerning the size, shape and optical properties of nanoparticles. ZnO NPs exhibit attractive antimicrobial properties against bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) and fungi. Zinc oxide nanocomposites show also selective toxicity toward normal and cancerous cells, which is explained by reactive oxygen formation (ROS). Yet despite the potentially interesting antitumor activity of ZnO nanoparticles, it has been proven that they can be also cytotoxic and genotoxic for multiple types of human cells (i.e. neuronal or epithelial cells). This paper reviews the methods of synthesizing zinc oxide nanocomposites as well as their characteristics, antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity against normal and tumor cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To compare the antimicrobial activities of Activ Point ( Roeko, Langenau, Germany), Calcium Hydroxide Plus Point ( Roeko, Langenau, Germany), calcium hydroxide, 1% chlorhexidine gel and bioactive glass (S53P4) against Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans. Methodology One hundred and twenty extracted single-rooted human teeth were used. After removing the crowns, root canals were prepared by using the Protaper rotary system. Following autoclave sterilization, root canals were incubated at 37 °C with E. faecalis ATCC 29212 and S. mutans RSHM 676 for 1 week. The specimens, which were divided into five treatment groups for each microorganism according to the intracanal medicament used, were tested in 10 experimental runs. In each experimental run, 10 roots were included as treatment, one root as positive control and one root as sterility control. Sterile paper points were utilized to take samples from root canals after the incubation of teeth in thioglycollate medium at 37 °C for 1 week. Samples taken from teeth by sterile paper points were inoculated onto sheep blood agar, and following an overnight incubation, the colonies grown on sheep blood agar were counted and interpreted as colony-forming units. Results were tested statistically by using Kruskal- Wallis and Conover's nonparametric multiple comparison tests. Results CHX gel ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.001), Activ Point ( P = 0.003 and P = 0.002) and Ca( OH)2 ( P = 0.010 and P = 0.005) were significantly more effective against E. faecalis than that of Ca( OH)2 Plus Point and bioactive glass, respectively. On the other hand, compared with Ca( OH)2, CHX gel ( P < 0.001), and Activ Point ( P < 0.001), bioactive glass ( P = 0.014) produced significantly lower colony counts of S. mutans. When compared with the positive control, treatment with Ca( OH)2 Plus Point ( P = 0.085 and P = 0.066) did not produce significantly lower colony counts of E. faecalis and S. mutans, respectively. Conclusions Compared with the medicaments having an antimicrobial effect because of their alkaline pH, the medicaments containing chlorhexidine were effective against both E. faecalis and S. mutans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I. viscosa has been used for years in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiseptic, and paper antiphlogistic activities. In this study, cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of I. viscosa leaf extracts on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa have been examined. Onion bulbs were exposed to 2.5 mg/ml, 5mg/ml, and 10 mg/ml concentrations of the extracts for macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Tap water has been used as a negative control and Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) (2 · 10-2 M) has been used as a positive control. The test concentrations have been determined according to doses which are recommended for use in alternativemedicine. There has been statistically significant (P < .05) inhibition of root growth depending on concentration by the extracts when compared with the control groups. All the tested extracts have been observed to have cytotoxic effects on cell division in A. cepa. I. viscosa leaf extract induces the total number of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei (MNC) formations in A. cepa root tip cells significantly when compared with control groups. Also, this paper shows for the first time the induction of cell death, ghost cells, cells with membrane damage, and binucleated cells by extract treatment. These results suggest the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of the I. viscosa leaf extracts on A. cepa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The selective synthesis of p-cresol by gas-phase alkylation of phenol with methanol was studied on SiO2–Al2O3 and zeolites HBEA, HZSM5 and HMCM22. Cresols were formed from phenol alkylation of methanol via two parallel pathways: the direct C-alkylation of phenol and the conversion of anisole intermediate obtained by O-alkylation of phenol. Methylation of o- and p-cresol led to the formation of 2,6- and 2,4-xylenols while anisole produced methylanisoles either by alkylation with methanol or by disproportionation. Regarding the cresol isomers distribution, p- and o-cresol were the major products on all the samples while m-cresol formation remained always lower than 6%. SiO2–Al2O3, HBEA and HZSM5 exhibited similar initial p-cresol:o-cresol ratios, between 0.6 and 0.8. In contrast, p-cresol was the predominant product on HMCM22 because the narrow sinusoidal 10-membered ring channels of this zeolite were particularly suitable for improving by shape selectivity the formation of p-cresol. Thus, we report here that p-cresol yields of 55% and p-cresol:o-cresol ratios of 4 are obtained on HMCM22 by gas-phase alkylation of phenol with methanol at 473K, atmospheric pressure and contact time of 350gh/mol phenol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chronic wounds complicated with biofilm formed by pathogens remain one of the most significant challenges of contemporary medicine. The application of topical antiseptic solutions against wound biofilm has been gaining increasing interest among clinical practitioners and scientific researchers. This paper compares the activity of polyhexanide-, octenidine- and hypochlorite/hypochlorous acid-based antiseptics against biofilm formed by clinical strains of Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The analyses included both standard techniques utilizing polystyrene plates and self-designed biocellulose-based models in which a biofilm formed by pathogens was formed on an elastic, fibrinous surface covered with a fibroblast layer. The obtained results show high antibiofilm activity of polihexanide- and octenidine-based antiseptics and lack or weak antibiofilm activity of hypochlorite-based antiseptic of total chlorine content equal to 80 parts per million. The data presented in this paper indicate that polihexanide- or octenidine-based antiseptics are highly useful in the treatment of biofilm, while hypochlorite-based antiseptics with low chlorine content may be applied for wound rinsing but not when specific antibiofilm activity is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the father of antispesis, the legacy of Joseph Baron Lister is assured and his influence on the development of contemporary surgical practice is recognised in the context of his achievement of predictable, infection-free surgery. However, looking beyond Lister's finest achievement and examining this work in the context of his whole career as a surgeon-scientist reveals important lessons pertinent to aspiring peers in how, by replacing surgical dogma with observation, deductive reasoning and scientific verification, by pursuing good ideas in the face of resistance and by making research directly relevant and patient-focused, lasting changes can be accomplished. This short paper aims to put Lister's developments in antisepsis in the context of his whole career, to evaluate his legacy and to commend his approach to contemporary surgeon-scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiseptics used in endodontics for disinfection purposes include root canal dressings and irrigants. Osmotic shock is known to cause the alteration of microbial cell viability and might have a role in the mechanism of action of root canal antiseptics. The aim of this review was to determine the role of osmolarity on the performance of antiseptics in root canal treatment. A literature search using the Medline electronic database was conducted up to 30 May 2013 using the following search terms and combinations: 'osmolarity AND root canal or endodontic or antiseptic or irrigation or irrigant or medication or dressing or biofilm; osmolality AND root canal or endodontic or antiseptic or irrigation or irrigant or medication or dressing or biofilm; osmotic AND root canal or endodontic or antiseptic or irrigation or irrigant or medication or dressing or biofilm; osmosis AND root canal or endodontic or antiseptic or irrigation or irrigant or medication or dressing or biofilm; sodium chloride AND root canal or endodontic or antiseptic or irrigation or irrigant or medication or dressing or biofilm'. Publications were included if the effects of osmolarity on the clinical performance of antiseptics in root canal treatment were stated, if preparations with different osmolarities values were compared and if they were published in English. A hand search of articles published online, 'in press' and 'early view', and in the reference list of the included papers was carried out following the same criteria. A total of 3274 publications were identified using the database, and three were included in the review. The evidence available in endodontics suggests a possible role for hyperosmotic root canal medicaments as disinfectants, and that there is no influence of osmolarity on the tissue dissolution capacity of sodium hypochlorite. There are insufficient data to obtain a sound conclusion regarding the role of hypo-osmosis in root canal disinfection, or osmosis in any further desirable ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal is to develop an effective domestic antiseptic agent for hands treatment. Methodology -- for efficiency assessment of this antiseptic agent an up-to-date European suspension test pr EN 12054 has been applied. Such microorganisms as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans have been used as cultures under test. The result -- a safe domestic antiseptic agent on basis of ethanol and chlorhexidine as proactive agents has been developed. Glycerin has been added for skin care. A scientific novelty of the paper is a well-grounded composition of the antiseptic agent. Practical importance -- with the help of fungicidal and antiseptic properties of the new antiseptic agent at short-term exposures its application significantly disinfects microflora that provides effective surgical and sanitary hands treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper was presented a case of interaction between chlorhexidine and octenidine applied during the procedure of central vein cathetherization for the dialysis. Octenidine was used for skin disinfection. The placement of the venous catheter dialysis was covered with polyurethane dressing containing chlorhexidine. On the second day, a change on a skin around the site of cathether placement was noticed. On the next day, the character of the lesion changed and looked like a superficial burn. The incidence of interaction between antiseptic agents may reduce compliance with the disinfection procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advances in the development of biomaterials have given rise to new options for surgery. New-generation medical devices can control chemical breakdown and resorption, prevent post-operative adhesion, and stimulate tissue regeneration. For the fabrication of medical devices, numerous biomaterials can be employed, including non-degradable biomaterials (silicone, polypropylene, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) or biodegradable polymers, including implants and three-dimensional scaffolds for tissue engineering, which require particular physicochemical and biological properties. Based on the combination of new generation technologies and cell-based therapies, the biocompatible and bioactive properties of some of these medical products can lead to progress in the repair of injured or harmed tissue and in tissue regeneration. An important aspect in the use of these prosthetic devices is the associated infection risk, due to the medical complications and socio-economic impact. This paper provides the latest achievements in the field of antimicrobial surgical meshes for hernia repair and discusses the perspectives in the development of these innovative biomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silica based materials are widely used in both medical and non-medical applications. Silica is recommended for many applications because of the high biocompatibility, low price, and high functionalization affinity. The purpose of this paper is to obtain antibacterial silica and further its inclusion in different cosmetic formulations. The synthesis of silica network was done by starting from TEOS and sodium silicate. The obtained antiseptic materials were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM as well as by studying the antibacterial behavior against E. coli. The antibacterial activity is induced by the presence of zinc oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The principles guiding reconstruction of the lower limb after trauma have become established over 300 years through advances in technology and studies of epidemiology. This paper reviews how these principles came about and why they are important. Methods This is a structured review of historical and recent literature pertinent to lower limb reconstruction. The outcomes assessed in the pre-modern era were wound mortality, amputation mortality and amputation rate. In the modern era, infection and non-union emerged as measures of outcome, which are morbidity- rather than mortality-based. Indications for amputation published during the eras are taken to reflect the reconstructive practices of the time. Results Amputation and wound mortality fell throughout the pre-modern era, from 70% and 20% to 1.8% and 1.8%, respectively. Amputation rates peaked in the American Civil War (53%) but have remained less than 20% since then. Infection and non-union rates in the modern era have fluctuated between 5% and 45%. Conclusions Priority areas for research include refinement of soft tissue reconstruction, injury classification, standardization of outcome measures and primary prevention. The impact of débridement and antisepsis on outcomes should not be forgotten as progress is made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hop is a plant used by humankind for thousands of years. This plant is one of the main and indispensable raw materials for the beer production. It is used for various dishes preparation in the cuisine. Hop is also used to inhibit bacterial contamination. The hop extracts are used for its sedative, antiseptic and antioxidant properties in medicine, as a part of many phytopharmaceuticals. The present paper have focused on the extraction of polyphenolic compounds from 4 samples of hop pellets varieties of Aurora, Saaz, Lublin and Saphir, on the analyzing of bioactive substances (polyphenolics and flavonoids) in prepared extracts and on the determination of antioxidant activity. The highest content of polyphenolic substances was determined in the sample Lublin (153.06 mg gallic acid (GAE)/g) and Saaz (151.87 mg GAE/g). The amount of flavonoids in the samples was descending order Saaz > Saphir > Aurora > Lublin. Hops, as plant, is known by high content of antioxidant active substances. Antioxidant activity was determined using three independent spectrofotometric methods, radical scavenging assays using 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The sample Aurora showed the highest ability to scavenge of ABTS radical cation. Antioxidant activity continued to decline in a row Saphir> Lublin> Saaz. The same trend was also observed by using the FRAP assay. The most effective DPPH radical scavengering activity had the sample Saaz a Saphir (p>0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorine is widely used as a sanitizer in commercial fresh-cut produce wash operations. However, chlorine reacts rapidly with organic materials, leading to potential pathogen survival when chlorine concentration nears depletion. This study evaluated a new process aid, T128, for its capacity to enhance chlorine efficacy against Escherichia coli O157: H7 in solutions with high organic loads. Chlorine solutions were prepared with either T128 or citric acid (control) to adjust pH. Survival of E. coli O157: H7 was assayed during washing of increasing amounts of shredded lettuce, or addition of lettuce juice as organic load. The application of T128 significantly reduced survival of E. coli O157: H7 when free chlorine in solution decreased to levels approaching depletion. In the presence of T128, no pathogen survival was observed with the free chlorine concentration as low as 0.05 mg/ L, while 0.4 mg/ L free chlorine was required to kill pathogens in the absence of T128 in the wash solution. Practical Applications The foodborne illness outbreaks that plague the fresh-cut produce industry are a testament to the need for a more effective sanitizer to prevent pathogen survival and cross contamination in commercial produce wash systems with large influxes of organic matter. This paper reports the investigation of the effect of a new process aid, T128, on reducing the survival of E. coli O157: H7 in wash solutions in which chlorine is near depletion due to high organic load, and thus the potential to improve the safety margin of fresh-cut process control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The aim of the study was to investigate the clearance of PVP-iodine applied as a gel or solution in periodontal pockets. Methods. Teeth of 12 subjects with at least eight periodontal pockets of ≥5 mm probing depth were isolated with a rubber dam to allow contamination-free access to the pockets. In each subject, three pockets were filled with PVP-iodine gel (10%) and three with PVP-iodine solution (10%). One pocket of each subject without iodine application served as a negative control. The treatment allocation was assigned randomly. Any excess material was removed subsequently. After 1, 5 and 15 min, a paper point was used to collect the sulcus liquid and the concentration of PVP-iodine was chemically determined. In addition, PVP-iodine gel was administered into 12 periodontal pockets immediately after sub-gingival ultrasound debridement and the concentration of PVP-iodine was determined after 1 min. Results. Descending concentrations of PVP-iodine were determined at 1, 5 and 15 min after the application. No PVP-iodine was found in the pockets serving as negative controls. The mean concentrations of the gel and solution were 6.14 μg/ml and 4.44 μg/ml (1 min; p ≥ 0.028), 3.20 μg/ml and 1.44 μg/ml (5 min; p ≥ 0.126), 0.69 μg/ml and 0.23 μg/ml (15 min; p ≤ 0.019), respectively. In the pockets with previous debridement the mean concentration was 1.68 ± 1.97 μg/ml. Conclusion. The application of PVP-iodine gel in periodontal pockets allows a prolonged remnant effect as compared to that of the solution formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pollution mitigation is an important target for restored wetlands, and although there is much information in relation to nutrient removal, little attention has been paid to emerging contaminants. This paper reports on the occurrence and attenuation capacity of 17 emerging contaminants in a restored wetland and two rivers in North-East Denmark. The compounds belong to the groups of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, antiseptics, fire retardants, pesticides, and plasticizers. Concentrations in surface waters ranged from 2 to 1476ngL−1. The compounds with the highest concentrations were diclofenac, 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), caffeine, and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). The herbicide concentrations increased after a rain-fall event, demonstrating the agricultural run-off origin of these compounds, whereas the concentration of the other emerging contaminants was rather conservative. The mitigation capacity of the restored wetland for the compounds ranged from no attenuation to 84% attenuation (19% on average). Hence, restored wetlands may be considered as a feasible alternative for mitigating emerging contaminants from river waters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Extensive cutaneous necrosis due to purpura fulminans presents many of the same treatment challenges as a significant burn injury. The areas of tissue loss are large, require complex and repeated dressings and create a significant reconstructive challenge. These patients are therefore often treated by burns multi-disciplinary teams (Ariivalo et al., Burns 24:272-274, ). Topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy has a recognised role in the management of complex wounds, but its use is normally restricted to moderates sized defects. This paper describes a method of TNP dressing application to large purpura fulminans wound areas, including the buttocks and perineum, by fashioning ATNP suits. A photographically illustrated series is presented to demonstrate a TNP suit application in four consecutive paediatric cases of severe purpura fulminans, and they are representative of our practise. These cases illustrate how TNP suits provide a robust movement resistant dressing which removes exudate from the wound, splinting and reducing the wound area, promoting a graftable bed and facilitating graft take in these difficult to manage patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstracts of papers about transfusion medicine and hemotherapy are presented, including "Experience With Bacterial Screening of Blood Products in the Netherlands," "Methods for Bacterial Detection in Blood Components" and "The Reduction of Bacterial Transmission in England."

Introduction: Inadequate hand-washing facilities have been reported as a barrier to hand washing. This study aimed to evaluate the availability and accessibility of hand-washing facilities and supplies of hand-washing agents in the outpatient department (OPD) complex of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methodology: A checklist containing 13 variables was prepared and all rooms of direct patient care in the OPD were assessed on one occasion. Results: Out of 211 rooms surveyed, a hand-washing facility was available in 209 (99.05%) rooms. Among these, 206 (98.56%) sinks were easily accessible and were placed close to users. Almost all sinks (99.5%) had hand-operated taps. Thirty-five (16.75%) sinks had no soap stand, and at 21 (10.5%) sinks, soap stands were found to be broken. At 14 (6.70%) sinks, soap bars were not available, while an antiseptic agent was available at 6 (2.87%) sinks. Four (1.91%) sinks had no towel stand, and at 8 (3.83%) sinks the towel stands were broken. At 43 (20.57%) sinks no towel was available, and at 23 (11%) sinks the towels provided were dirty. No sink drain was found to be blocked. No sink had hand-washing instructions displayed demonstrating the correct technique of hand washing. Conclusion: Physical facilities required for hand washing were adequate though not perfect. There is a need to shift from hand-operated taps to non-manual taps and from cloth towels to paper towels. Hospital managers in developing countries should continuously strive to provide the best possible hand-washing facilities within their financial resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Without protective practices such as antiseptic hand washing, the use of sterile/surgical gloves, safe needles, sterile equipment, and safe instrument and waste disposal procedures outlined in universal precaution guidelines, basic health workers (BHWs) are at substantial risk of blood-borne infections. Methodology: This paper draws on research conducted in 28 primary health care centers in two districts of the Western Development Region, Nepal, between 2003 and 2004. Interviews were conducted to identify the infection control knowledge and practice compliance of basic health workers. Results: Of 100 BHWs studied, only 22% had correct knowledge of universal precautions and 73% said they follow universal precaution guidelines. A total of 62% reported that they regularly used protective gloves while handling patients and 72% reported that they never used high-level disinfection to eliminate all microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, including bacterial endospores) from instruments and other items that would come into contact with broken skin or intact mucous membranes. Reasons for noncompliance included irregular supply of materials (31%); lack of an autoclave and other high-level disinfection equipment (50%); lack of knowledge and insufficient technical skills regarding universal precaution procedures (20%). Conclusion: Results showed that poor knowledge and an irregular supply of materials, equipment, and instruments prevented BHWs from using infection control measures. Formal training in universal precautions is urgently needed, and protective equipment must be provided and use must be monitored. Compliance to infection control procedures must be improved at primary health care units, especially among the basic health workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) has been subject of numerous randomized controlled trials in critically ill patients. Almost all clinical trials showed SDD to prevent pneumonia. Nevertheless, SDD has remained a controversial strategy. One reason for why clinicians remained reluctant to implement SDD into daily practice could be that mortality was reduced in only 2 trials. Another reason could be the heterogeneity of trials of SDD. Indeed, many different prophylactic antimicrobial regimes were tested, and dissimilar diagnostic criteria for pneumonia were applied amongst the trials. This heterogeneity impeded interpretation and comparison of trial results. Two other hampering factors for implementation of SDD have been concerns over the risk of antimicrobial resistance and fear for escalation of costs associated with the use of prophylactic antimicrobials. This paper describes the concept of SDD, summarizes the results of published trials of SDD in mixed medical-surgical intensive care units, and rationalizes the risk of antimicrobial resistance and rise of costs associated with this potentially life-saving preventive strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As recommendations for specific pathogen-free housing change, mouse facilities need to re-derive their colonies repeatedly in order to eliminate specified bacteria or viruses. This paper describes the establishment of a new mouse facility using as starting point a small colony of CD-1 mice colonized with the Charles River altered Schaedler flora (CRASFw) housed in individually ventilated cages (IVCs). The import of new strains was performed exclusively via embryo transfer using CD-1 mice as recipients. The integrity of the CRASFw in caecum samples of the original CD-1 colony and of three inbred mouse lines imported into the colony was proven by a quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction approach. Furthermore, we searched for bacterial contaminants in the gut flora using non-specific 16S rRNA primers. The bacterial sequences found were closely related to but not exclusively sequences of altered Schaedler flora (ASF) members, suggesting that the ASF is heterogeneous rather than restricted to the eight defined bacteria. Moreover, no pathogens were found, neither using the non-specific 16S rRNA primers nor in routine quarterly health monitoring. As one effect of this defined gut flora, interleukin-10 knockout mice are devoid of colitis in our facility. In conclusion, our approach building up a mouse facility using foster mothers and embryo transfer as well as a strict barrier system and IVCs is suitable to maintain a colony free from contaminating bacteria over the long term. CRASFw remained stable for seven mouse generations and was efficiently transferred to the imported mouse strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the treatment of aqueous phenol solutions using an electrochemical technique. Phenol can be partly eliminated from aqueous solution by electrochemically initiated polymerisation. Galvanostatic electrolyses of phenol solutions at concentration up to 0.1 mol dm−3 were carried out on a Ta/PbO2 anode. The polymers formed are insoluble in acidic medium but soluble in alkaline. These polymers were filtered and then dissolved in aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (1 mol dm−3). The polymers formed were quantified by total organic carbon (TOC) measurement. It was found that the conversion of phenol into polymers increases as a function of initial concentration, anodic current density, temperature, and solution pH. The percentage of phenol polymerised can reach 15%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrophilic phenols are the most abundant natural antioxidants of virgin olive oil (VOO), in which, however, tocopherols and carotenes are also present. The prevalent classes of hydrophilic phenols found in VOO are phenolic alcohols and acids, flavonoids, lignans and secoiridoids. Among these substances the last two classes include the most concentrate phenols of VOO. Secoiridoids, like aglycone derivatives of oleuropein, demethyloleuropein and ligstroside, are present in olive fruit as most abundant VOO phenolic antioxidants. Several important biological properties (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, chemopreventive and anti-cancer) and the characteristic pungent and bitter tasty properties have been attributed to VOO phenols. Relationships between polyphenols activities and their chemical structures are discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: AdaBoost Learner is employed to investigate Structure–Activity Relationships of phenols based on molecular descriptors. In this paper, the performance of AdaBoost Learner is compared with support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural networks (ANNs) and K nearest neighbors (KNNs), which are the most common algorithms used for SARs analysis. AdaBoost Learner performed better than SVM, ANNs and KNNs in predicting the mechanism of toxicity of phenols based on molecular descriptors. It can be concluded that AdaBoost has a potential to improve the performance of SARs analysis. We believe that AdaBoost Learner will play an important and complementary role to the existing algorithms for the prediction of the mechanisms of toxicity based on SARs. We have developed an online web server for the prediction of ecotoxicity mechanisms of phenols, accessible at http://chemdata.shu.edu.cn/ecotoxity/. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

MRSA-infected or-colonized staff can be a vector for transmission between patients. Therefore, reliable detection and rapid decolonisation of carriers is important. Literature on the effectiveness of MIRSA decolonization regimes is very heterogeneous. Existing studies differ distinct in design, endpoints and patient populations studied and are therefore hard to compare. This paper summarizes routine data from decolonization treatment of MRSA-positive staff and relatives from March 2007-March 2009 at the University Hospital of Greifswald. From a total of 107 persons rated, 98.1% were successfully decolonized. In 73 cases (68%) decolonization was achieved in the first cycle. This shows the high effectiveness of regimes based on octenidine containing antiseptic preparations as part of a structured decolonization concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The face is the central point of the physical features of the human being. It transmits expressions and emotions, communicates feelings and allows for individual identity. It contains complex musculature and a pliable and unique skin envelope that reacts to the environment through a vast network of nerve endings. The face hosts vital areas that make phonation, feeding, and vision possible. Facial burns disrupt these anatomical and functional structures creating pain, deformity, swelling, and contractures that may lead to lasting physical and psychological sequelae. The management of facial burns may include operative and non-operative treatment or both, depending on the depth and extent of the burn. This paper intends to provide a review of the available options for topical management of facial burns. Topical agents will be defined as any agent applied to the surface of the skin that alters the outcome of the facial burn. Therefore, the classic concept of topical therapy will be expanded and developed within two major stages: acute and rehabilitation. Comparison of the effectiveness of the different treatments and relevant literature will be discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since the impressive reduction of transfusion-transmitted virus infections, bacterial infections by blood transfusion represent the most important infection risk. Platelet concentrates are the current focus of attention, as they are stored under temperature conditions which allow growth of contaminating bacteria up to 1010 and more microbes per platelet bag. This paper does not consider the pathogen reduction methods but will assess suitable screening methods. Beside conventional microbiological approaches or surrogate markers, several efficient methods able to detect bacterial contamination in platelets are available on the market. They need to be divided into two different methodological principles: the cultivation methods and rapid methods. Cultivation or incubation methods require some time for signal production as they depend on growth of microbes. Thus, they have to be combined with early sampling, i.e., the sample to be examined has to be drawn from the blood component 1 day after donation. Their advantage is the relatively uncomplicated implementation into the logistics of blood banks. Because of the initially very low count of bacteria after donation, a certain small sampling error in application of that strategy remains. Rapid methods are able to produce the diagnosis within a short time. Therefore, they allow postponing of sample drawing, ideally up to the time immediately before transfusion. However, this procedure causes logistic complications. On the other hand, late sampling combined with a rapid method will prevent the transfusion of highly contaminated platelet concentrates leading to acute septic shock up to the death of the patient. Considering the sum of different aspects including the supply of patients, the potential improvement of microbial safety of platelet concentrates is comparable in both strategies. Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:926–32. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cytisine has a molecular structure somewhat similar to that of nicotine and varenicline. The concept for the new smoking cessation drug varenicline was based partly on cytisine. Like varenicline, cytisine is a partial agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, with high affinity for α4β2 receptors. Cytisine has been used since the 1960s as a smoking cessation drug in Eastern and Central Europe, but has remained largely unnoticed elsewhere. Three placebo-controlled trials, conducted in East and West Germany in the 1960s and 1970s, suggest that cytisine, even with minimal behavioural support, may be effective in aiding smoking cessation. Cytisine tablets are very inexpensive to produce and could be a more affordable treatment than nicotine replacement, bupropion and varenicline. There is however a dearth of scientific research on the properties of cytisine, including safety, abuse liability and efficacy. This paper seeks to identify research priorities for molecular, animal and clinical studies. In particular, new studies are necessary to define the nicotinic receptor interaction profile of cytisine, to establish its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in humans, to determine whether animals self-administer cytisine, and to ascertain whether cytisine is safe and effective as a smoking cessation drug. Potentially, this research effort, contributing to wider use of an inexpensive drug, could save many lives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]